Solo Brathuke So Better Review – Predictable but Watchable Drama

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December 25, 2020

BOTTOM LINE
Predictable but Watchable Drama

OUR RATING
2.5/5

CENSOR
U certified, 126 mins.

What Is the Film About?
Virat (Sai Dharam Tej) is a firm believer of the philosophy – Solo Brathuke So Better. He gets it from his uncle. He wants to lead a single life all the way. How Virat’s mind is changed from it? What happens when he falls in love and where it ends is what the movie is all about?

How Is Sai Dharam Tej’s Performance?
Sai Dharam Tej is his usual self. The actor has been showing a lot of restraint since Chitralahari, and he continues that here. It works well for him. The urban styling and characterisation add to the appeal. But, there are mere superficial observations.

As far as acting is concerned, Sai Dharam Tej is showing improvement. One of the scenes in the second half, towards the end, involving an emotional breakdown is alright. He hasn’t done such moments well, previously. Similar, an awkward body language that he exhibits in key scenes are also acceptable. But, these are still minor increments, and there is a lot of scope to improve.

Direction by Subbu?
After what looks like a long gap, a newcomer directs a significantly big film involving a moderate star. Subbu gets that opportunity and he shows with Solo Brathuke So Better than debutants can be trusted.

Solo Brathuke So Better is pretty ordinary story-wise. The message is age-old. The difference here is that Subbu tries to present it in a very urban and trendy way. He succeeds in it partially only.

The setup and character design of the lead Virat are made neatly. A fresh upgrade is done for it with his ‘world’ comprising of the old guard. The uncle is the past who makes Virat take the decision, a modern guy.

The initial few portions work fine due to the fresh repackaging. However, as the narrative progresses, slowly, the change in tide and content is visible. We can see the story shifting to the old clichéd routine.

Still, a block involving the change of heart of Virat does strike a chord. It is followed by a decent interval which raises hopes and expectations from the second half.

Unfortunately, the sequences start to look stale in emotions and create boredom as we progress further into the second half. The momentum slowly disappears as we go.

The obvious problem here is the story that is as old as the hills. There is a straightforward hook involving the hero and heroine on which the entire second half rests. It becomes one-dimensional and formulaic very soon.

The proceedings still have a few laughs in between, and a couple of songs are well placed. But, we know where Solo Brathuke So Better is headed. It leads to a continuous drag until the extremely predictable end.

It still wouldn’t have been an issue if the narrative had the same dramatic impact as the block involving Virat’s change of heart in the first half. Here everything drags until a point, and then the expected change occurs instantly. There is no emotional connection with it.

Overall, Solo Brathuke So Better is a well-intended drama with a neat message. The second half has moments of entertainment, but it doesn’t live up to the expectations. Give it a try if you don’t mind watching an average fare in theatres.

Nabha Natesh and Others?
Nabha Natesh plays a bubbly and spunky girl to perfection. She is dressed well and appears a million bucks look wise without any vulgarity in the process.

Rao Ramesh gets another substantial role, but short on run time. He is impactful whenever he appears. Naresh is wasted. Among the comedians Vennela Kishore is okay if you don’t mind his accent. Sathya should have been utilised even better. The rest of the actors are decent in their small parts.

Music and Other Departments?
The music and the background score by S Thaman is a significant plus for the movie. A couple of songs are additionally well shot and integrated into the narrative.

The cinematography is neat throughout. The editing could have been better. The writing is alright, but there are few dialogues which make everything look so corny.

Highlights?
Message
Sentiment Sequences
Interval
Music